The moment you place a 22-inch griddle on the table and fire it up, you immediately understand why Blackstone dominates the portable outdoor cooking market. I’ve used the Blackstone 1666 and the Blackstone 2203 side by side during camping trips, small gatherings, and weekend cookouts, and I noticed that despite looking very similar, these two models perform quite differently. Their design, heat performance, and cooking behavior each give them a personality of their own.
This review is my hands-on breakdown of how both models compare in real-world use, what stood out to me, and which one ultimately offers better value depending on the type of outdoor cooking you do.
Main Difference Between Blackstone 1666 vs 2203 Griddle
The biggest difference between the Blackstone 1666 and the 2203 is the cooking plate technology and heat performance.
The 1666 uses a traditional rolled-steel surface with higher raw heating power (24,000 BTU equivalent), while the 2203 uses Blackstone’s patented Omnivore Griddle Plate, designed for faster heat recovery, reduced warping, and greater fuel efficiency, even though its wattage output is lower.
This key difference shapes the overall cooking experience:
- 1666 = Stronger heat + classic griddle feel
- 2203 = More advanced plate + better heat retention and consistency
- Portable and Compact: This griddle is ideal for camping, tailgating, outdoor barbecues, and more. The compact design of...
- Portable Design: This griddle was built for portability so you can bring it along on all of your outdoor adventures....
Comparison Table: Blackstone 1666 vs 2203 Griddle
| Feature | Blackstone 1666 | Blackstone 2203 |
| Cooking Surface | Rolled steel plate | Omnivore Griddle Plate |
| Cooking Area | 361 sq. inches | 361 sq. inches |
| Burners | 2 H-shaped burners | 2 independently heated burners |
| Heat Output | 24,000 watts | 1500 watts |
| Material | Stainless steel front + steel body | Carbon steel |
| Grease Management | Rear Grease Management System | Rear Grease Management System |
| Portability | Compact, lightweight | Compact, slightly larger footprint |
| Special Features | Heavy-duty heat power | Faster heat recovery, reduced warping |
| Weight | 25.3 lbs | 25.3 lbs |
| Best For | High-heat cooking, searing, fast grilling | Consistent heating, long cooking sessions, efficiency |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design
Both models have the familiar Blackstone tabletop aesthetic, but I instantly noticed differences once I placed them side-by-side.
The 1666 leans more toward a rugged, classic outdoor cooking style. The stainless steel faceplate gives it a clean look, and the overall design feels straightforward and practical.
The 2203, on the other hand, looks and feels slightly more premium. The carbon steel Omnivore plate has a very smooth texture and feels more engineered. The body is also slightly wider, giving the unit a more solid presence on the table. While both are designed for portability, the 2203 has a more refined finish while the 1666 gives a traditional outdoor grill vibe.
- Portable and Compact: This griddle is ideal for camping, tailgating, outdoor barbecues, and more. The compact design of...
- Portable Design: This griddle was built for portability so you can bring it along on all of your outdoor adventures....
Ease of Use
In terms of usability, both are extremely beginner-friendly. I enjoyed how fast both units ignite — the 1666 uses a standard ignition, while the 2203 includes a push-and-turn Piezo system that feels more responsive.
The heat controls are simple and familiar on both units, and since the cooking area is identical, there’s no learning curve switching between them.
However, the 2203 stays more stable during long cooking sessions. I noticed the non-slip feet do a better job on plastic tables and uneven surfaces.
Grease management works flawlessly on both. The rear slot and grease cup design might be simple, but it makes a huge difference when cooking bacon or smash burgers.
- Portable and Compact: This griddle is ideal for camping, tailgating, outdoor barbecues, and more. The compact design of...
Performance & Cooking Behavior
This is where the biggest contrast shows up.
Blackstone 1666 Performance
The 1666 heats aggressively and fast. If I want to sear burgers, steak strips, or anything that benefits from strong high heat, this is the model I reach for. The transition between high and medium heat is instant, and the burners distribute heat evenly across the plate.
Its weakness shows during longer cooking sessions — the plate loses heat slightly faster once overloaded with cold food.
Blackstone 2203 Performance
The 2203 surprised me the most. The Omnivore plate absolutely improves heat retention. When I made large breakfast batches — pancakes, eggs, bacon — the temperature stayed consistent even when adding more food.
It also recovers heat extremely quickly. Stir-fry especially benefitted from this because the plate never dipped too low, keeping vegetables crisp and lightly charred rather than soggy.
While it doesn’t reach the same super-high heat peaks as the 1666, the stability and control feel superior.
- Portable Design: This griddle was built for portability so you can bring it along on all of your outdoor adventures....
Versatility
Both models handle every classic griddle recipe: burgers, veggies, breakfast, seafood, tacos, quesadillas, and more.
But here is how I personally categorize them:
- 1666 = Best for high-heat grilling and fast cooking
- 2203 = Best for consistent, all-day cooking and recipe variety
The 2203 also supports more delicate cooking, such as fish or thinly sliced meats, because it’s easier to maintain a steady medium temperature.
Portability
Both units weigh the same, and both pack down easily. The 1666 being slightly more compact is convenient for smaller trunks, while the 2203’s slightly wider surface gives a bit more working area for spatula movements.
Both are equally portable for camping, RV use, tailgating, and backyard cookouts.
Blackstone 1666 Tabletop Griddle
- Portable and Compact: This griddle is ideal for camping, tailgating, outdoor barbecues, and more. The compact design of...
Pros:
- Higher heat output
- Classic rolled-steel cooking surface
- Slightly more compact body
- Great for searing and fast cooking
- Very good heat distribution
- Lightweight and durable
Cons:
- Slower heat recovery
- Can lose temperature during large batches
- No advanced plate technology
- Slightly less fuel efficient
Blackstone 2203 abletop Griddle with Omnivore Griddle Plate
- Portable Design: This griddle was built for portability so you can bring it along on all of your outdoor adventures....
Pros:
- Omnivore Griddle Plate heats evenly and recovers fast
- Resistant to warping
- Better long-session temperature stability
- Push-and-turn ignition feels smoother
- Non-slip feet offer better grip
- Very fuel-efficient
- Excellent all-around cooking performance
Cons:
- Lower overall heat output
- Slightly larger footprint
- Price tends to be higher due to advanced technology
- Not as aggressive for searing as 1666
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
After using both models extensively, they each serve different cooking styles.
Choose the Blackstone 1666 if:
- You focus on high-heat recipes like smash burgers, steaks, or stir-fry
- You want the most straightforward and powerful heat performance
- You prefer a classic griddle cooking feel
- You want a slightly more budget-friendly option
Choose the Blackstone 2203 if:
- You want consistent temperature, especially for large batches
- You value heat recovery, efficiency, and reduced plate warping
- You cook a variety of recipes including low-and-slow dishes
- You want the more modern, stable, premium-feeling model
My Recommendation:
If I had to choose just one, I’d go with the Blackstone 2203. The heat stability, improved griddle plate, and cooking consistency make it the more versatile and dependable unit for everyday outdoor cooking. But if you love searing or want the most heat possible, the 1666 still remains a fantastic choice.
